Hair dye applicator

ABSTRACT

A hair dye applicator device includes a collapsible fluid container for containing a liquid dye, a one-way valve in communication with the open end of the fluid container for allowing egress of the liquid dye, and a compressible air container encasing the fluid container. The fluid container includes an open end for allowing egress of the liquid dye. The air container includes an open end for receiving the fluid container and a one-way valve for allowing air into the air container. As the air container is compressed by a user, the fluid container collapses to force the liquid dye out of the fluid container.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/102,521, filed on Mar. 19, 2002, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/712,799, filed on Nov. 14, 2000, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,357,449, which is a continuation-in-part ofInternational Application No. PCT/US00/04694, which designated the U.S.and was filed Feb. 24, 2000, published in English on Aug. 31, 2000,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/259,506, filed Feb. 26, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,513. The entireteachings of the above applications are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional hair dye applicator devices that utilize acompressible bottle containing liquid dye are well known in the art.However, such devices typically do not provide means for controllingapplication of the dye to the user's hair in an acceptable manner.Furthermore, these prior art devices have no controllable means tominimize dye from coming into contact with the user's scalp which isundesirable and may irritate the user's skin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a hair dye applicator that is used by anoperator to uniformly and controllably present a liquid dye to theoperator's hair or to the hair of another person. The hair dyeapplicator includes a compressible air container with a fluid containerdesigned to contain the liquid dye positioned within the air container.A manifold with a first end in fluid communication with the liquid dyeis removably attached to the air container. The manifold includes aninside surface opening onto the first end, an outside surface, and aconduit communicating with the inside surface and the first end whichprovides fluid communication between the first end and at least oneorifice extending from the inside surface to the outside surface. Themanifold further includes a first lip and a second lip on the outsidesurface, with the first lip surrounding the orifice and the second lipsurrounding the first lip.

[0004] The hair dye applicator further includes a flexible fluiddispensing member having an inside surface, an outside surface, and aplurality of apertures passing from the inside surface to the outsidesurface that presents the dye to the hair. The inside surface of themember contacts the outside surface of the manifold including the firstand second lips such that a resilient seal is formed until the dye isforced through the orifices when the member allows the dye to pass overthe first lip and through the plurality of apertures. This allows theapplicator to be positioned in any orientation during the dyeing process(e.g., upside-down) while maintaining a continuous flow of dye from thefluid container to the hair being dyed.

[0005] The dispensing member can further include dye presentationgrooves positioned along a longitudinal axis and on the outside surfaceof the dispensing member which help present the dye from the aperturesto the hair.

[0006] The fluid container can include an integral interface member thatforms a seal between the air container and the manifold. The aircontainer can further include a one-way valve that allows air into theair container, such that the air container can be successively squeezedso that the dye is continuously and controllably provided to the dyepresentation grooves.

[0007] According to another aspect of one embodiment of the presentinvention, the dispensing member includes a plurality of bristlesextending therefrom to comb the hair to allow the dye to transfer ontothe hair. In one embodiment, a first row of bristles having a firstheight is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the dispensing member,and at least a second row of bristles having a second height is alsopositioned along the longitudinal axis, the first and second rows beingoffset relative to each other along a line perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis. The bristles also maintain the scalp a predetermineddistance away from the dye presentation grooves such that a minimalamount of dye is presented to the scalp.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing memberincludes a keying member positioned along a longitudinal axis thereofand the manifold has a groove along its longitudinal axis that acceptsthe keying member such that the dispensing member is positioned on themanifold in a predetermined orientation.

[0009] Additionally, the present invention provides a method of dyeinghair comprising the steps of providing a collapsible container carryingdye within a flexible container and a brush having a plurality of teethfor combing hair, pumping the flexible container, thereby compressingthe collapsible container with air pressure and forcing the dye out ofthe collapsible container which opens a valve with the force of the dyeto move the dye into at least one channel in proximity to the teeth. Themethod further includes the steps of moving the teeth of the brushthrough the hair to transfer dye to the hair, releasing the flexiblecontainer therein allowing air to enter the container through a secondvalve, and repeating the process from pumping the flexible containeruntil the dyeing is complete.

[0010] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a hairdyeing apparatus is provided having an enclosure which includes an openend and an aperture. A fluid container that contains a liquid dye ispositioned within the open end and a manifold is connected to the openend of the enclosure in fluid communication with the liquid dye. A brushcover is removably positioned over the manifold such that the brushcover is in fluid communication with the fluid container during thedyeing process. A resilient bellows which includes an orifice ispositioned to be in communication with the aperture such that when thebellows is compressed with the operator's finger covering the orifice,the liquid dye is forced through the brush cover to the hair to be dyed.

[0011] In accordance with another embodiment, a hair dye applicatordevice is provided which includes a collapsible fluid container forcontaining a liquid dye. The fluid container has an open end forallowing egress of the liquid dye. A one-way valve is provided whichcommunicates with the open end of the fluid container for allowingegress of the liquid dye. A compressible air container encases the fluidcontainer and includes an aperture there through. As the air containeris compressed with the user's finger covering the aperture, the fluidcontainer collapses to force the liquid dye out of the fluid container.

[0012] Preferably, the air container is formed from a resilient materialand fills with air through the aperture as the user releases compressiveforce on the air container with the finger not covering the aperture.The one-way valve substantially prevents the liquid dye from reenteringthe fluid container.

[0013] A manifold is further provided in communication with the one-wayvalve and a brush cover is removably positioned over the manifold. Thebrush cover is in fluid communication with the liquid dye duringapplication of the liquid dye to the hair to be dyed. The manifoldincludes an internal conduit that receives the liquid dye at a first endof the manifold and further includes a plurality of orifices in fluidcommunication with the conduit that extend to an outside surface of themanifold. The orifices in one embodiment increase in diameter as afunction of the distance from the first end of the manifold.

[0014] A brush cover is further provided having an inside surface and anoutside surface and a plurality of apertures extending from the insidesurface to the outside surface. The apertures are in fluid communicationwith the orifices of the manifold during the dyeing process. In oneembodiment, the brush cover includes a groove along the longitudinalaxis of the cover in communication with at least one of the plurality ofapertures. An alignment mechanism is provided for ensuring the brushcover is positioned over the manifold in a predetermined direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the manifold is removably attachable to theair container and the device includes an alignment mechanism to alignthe manifold on the air container in a predetermined orientation.Preferably, the alignment mechanism includes a first protruding memberextending from the manifold and a second protruding member extendingfrom the air container. The first and second protruding members contactto prevent rotation of the manifold onto the air container upon reachingthe predetermined orientation.

[0016] A jacket can optionally be provided which encases at least aportion of the air container. The jacket has an aperture there throughwhich communicates with the orifice of the air container. In oneembodiment, a bellows is provided on the jacket and the aperture passesthrough the bellows.

[0017] In one embodiment, the brush and the manifold is formed as anintegral single brush/manifold unit. A plurality of apertures extenddirectly from an internal conduit to the outside surface in proximity toteeth. The brush/manifold unit can have a coating.

[0018] Thus, the present invention provides a hair dye applicator havingthe immediate advantages of efficiently and conveniently dispensing aliquid dye to the user's hair in a controlled manner due to a uniquevalving system. Further, the hair dye applicator of the presentinvention minimizes the amount of dye contacting the user's scalp duringthe dyeing process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer tothe same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention.

[0020]FIG. 1 is an exploded, isometric view of a preferred hair dyeapplicator in accordance with the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the assembled hair dye applicator of FIG.1;

[0022]FIG. 3 is a cross section taken along line 3-3 of the hair dyeapplicator of FIG. 2;

[0023]FIGS. 4 and 5 are isometric views of the fluid manifold shown inFIG. 1;

[0024]FIGS. 6 and 7 are isometric views of the brush cover shown in FIG.1;

[0025]FIG. 8 is a cross section taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3;

[0026]FIG. 9 is a cut-away cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofa hair dye applicator according to this invention;

[0027]FIG. 10 is a front view of the hair dye applicator of FIG. 9;

[0028]FIG. 11 is an end view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

[0029]FIGS. 12-14 are front, side, and end views, respectively, ofanother embodiment of a hair dye applicator in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0030]FIGS. 15-20 illustrate outer shapes of the hair dye applicator ofFIGS. 12-14 taken from lines 15-15 through 20-20, respectively, of FIG.12;

[0031]FIG. 21 is a front view of another embodiment of a hair dyeapplicator according to this invention particularly illustrating a brushcover used for streaking;

[0032]FIGS. 22-25 are front, back, side, and end views, respectively, ofanother preferred embodiment of a hair dye applicator in accordance withthe present invention;

[0033]FIGS. 26-28 are front, side, and end views, respectively, of yetanother embodiment of a hair dye applicator in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0034]FIG. 29 is an exploded, isometric view of another hair dyeapplicator in accordance with the present invention;

[0035]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the assembled hair dye applicatorof FIG. 29;

[0036]FIG. 31 is an enlarged perspective view of an optional jacketwhich encases the air container of FIG. 29;

[0037]FIG. 32 is an enlarged perspective view of the air container ofFIG. 29;

[0038]FIGS. 33 and 34 are front and side views, respectively, of the aircontainer of FIG. 32;

[0039]FIG. 35 is an enlarged plan view of the fluid container of FIG.29;

[0040]FIG. 36 is an isometric enlarged view of the duckbill valve ofFIG. 29;

[0041]FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the duckbill valve of FIG. 36;

[0042]FIGS. 38-40 are front, isometric, and side views, respectively, ofthe manifold of FIG. 29;

[0043]FIGS. 41-44 are front, isometric, end, and side views,respectively, of the brush cover of FIG. 29;

[0044]FIG. 45 is an exploded, isometric view of another hair dyeapplicator;

[0045]FIG. 46 is an isometric view of the manifold of FIG. 45; and

[0046]FIG. 47 is an exploded, isometric view of another hair dyeapplicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Turning to the figures, the present invention is described belowin detail. More particularly, FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded isometricview of a embodiment of a hair dye applicator, generally designated asreference number 10. Applicator 10 comprises compressible air container12 having an open end 18 and a closed end 16. Air container 12 furtherincludes a one-way valve 14 for allowing air into container 12. Theoperation of valve 14 will be discussed below. A collapsible fluidcontainer 22 is removably positioned within air container 12 and isdesigned to contain a liquid dye.

[0048] Applicator 10 further comprises fluid manifold 24 having firstend 26 and second end 28. First end 26 includes an internally threadedportion 30 that threadedly engages externally threaded portion 20 atopen end 18 of container 12 to secure fluid manifold 24 to open end 18of container 12. It is understood that other suitable joining mechanismscan be used to secure manifold 24 to container 12. Fluid container 22 isprovided with an interface member 23, which can be integrally moldedwith the container, bonded, or otherwise secured by another method.Interface member 23 advantageously forms part of the seal between aircontainer 12 and manifold 24. It has been found that the size of fluidcontainer 22 can be selected such that the operation of the applicator10, as will be explained below, is optimized. In one embodiment, fluidcontainer 22 is formed from a polymer such as a blow-molded polymer.

[0049] Applicator 10 additionally includes a flexible fluid dispensingmember, also referred to as a brush cover 32, which removably slidesover manifold 24. Brush cover 32 is in fluid communication with fluidcontainer 22 during the dyeing process and includes a plurality ofbristles 29 and 31 that are used by the operator to comb the hair beingdyed such that the dye is uniformly presented to the hair. A removablecap 34 having an externally threaded portion 36 threadedly engagesinternally threaded portion 38 of manifold 24 (see FIG. 4) to securecover 32 onto manifold 24. There are many suitable ways to removablysecure cover 32 onto manifold 24, as easily understood by one skilled inthe art. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the assembled applicator 10 with thefluid container 22 positioned inside air container 12.

[0050]FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of manifold 24. As shown,manifold 24 includes a plurality of orifices 44 which extend from anoutside surface 52 to an inside surface 50 of the manifold. An internalconduit or flow cavity 48 fluidly connects first end 26 of fluidmanifold 24 to orifices 44. As described above, first end 26 is in fluidcommunication with fluid container 22 that contains the liquid dye.Manifold 24 further includes a first manifold valve lip 40 surroundingorifices 44. Manifold 24 further includes a second manifold valve lip 42which surrounds first valve lip 40 to form annular channel 43. Secondvalve lip 42 is raised slightly higher than first valve lip to form asecure seal between lip 42 and the interior surface 58 of cover 32 asseen in FIG. 8. Manifold 24 further includes groove 46 positioned alonga longitudinal axis thereof, as best seen in FIG. 5, to position thebrush cover 32 thereon in a predetermined orientation. Manifold 24 canbe formed from many materials. Preferably, it is molded from athermoplastic such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS).

[0051]FIGS. 6 and 7 further illustrate details of brush cover 32. Moreparticularly, cover 32 includes keying member 54 which mates with groove46 (seen in FIG. 5) when cover 32 is slid over manifold 24 in apredetermined orientation. Preferably, keying member 54 is integral withcover 32 although it could be installed separately. Cover 32 includes aplurality of apertures 56 extending from an inside surface 58 to anoutside surface 60 of the cover to allow the liquid dye to be presentedto the hair. When cover 32 is properly positioned on manifold 24,apertures 56 are positioned between first valve lip 40 and second valvelip 42 (i.e., communication with the annular channel 43 shown in FIG.4), with the inside surface 58 of cover 32 fitting snugly over the firstand second valve lips.

[0052] Cover 32 further includes a flexible portion 70, which may beformed by a thinned out wall section formed by a groove or the like,proximal to apertures 56, as best seen in FIG. 7. This allows cover 32to flex allowing the dye to travel over first valve lip 40 and throughapertures 56 upon compression of air container 12 which forces theliquid dye through orifices 44 of the manifold 24, as best seen in FIG.8. The one-way valve 14 in the air container 12 allows the operator tocontinue squeezing container 12 to further compress fluid container 22,thus forcing the dye through conduit 48 and orifices 44 and over firstvalve lip 40. Because second valve lip 42 is raised more than firstvalve lip 40, the liquid dye is prevented from flowing around the entireoutside surface 52 of the manifold 24 and thus contained in annularchamber 43. This can be seen more clearly in FIG. 8. When the userdiscontinues compressing air container 12, i.e., in between squeezingmotions, the inside surface 58 of cover 32 forms a temporary seal withfirst valve lip 40 to prevent the liquid dye and ambient air fromentering the manifold 24 and hence fluid container 22. In this manner, avalving system is provided that uses a resilient seal that allows thedye to flow one way from orifices 44 to apertures 56 in a controlledmanner such that the dye can be uniformly applied to the hair. Thisvalving system allows the applicator 10 to be used in any orientation(e.g., upside-down) while maintaining a continuous flow of dye fromfluid container 22 to the hair being dyed.

[0053] Cover 32 further includes a pair of dye presentation grooves 68on the outside surface 60 thereof (best seen in FIG. 7) in communicationwith apertures 56. Grooves 68 are preferably positioned along alongitudinal axis of cover 32 and allow the dye exiting apertures 56 toflow along the grooves to uniformly present the dye to the hair.

[0054] Cover 32 also includes bristles 29 and 31, also referred to asteeth, which are used by the operator to comb the hair during the dyeingprocess. Preferably, there are three rows of bristles 29 of a firstheight positioned along the longitudinal axis of the cover 32 whichserve to comb and position the hair such that it uniformly contacts thedye in the dye presentation grooves 68. Also, a row of bristles 31 of asecond height is provided parallel to bristles 29 but positioned offsetrelative to each other along a line perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis, as seen more clearly in FIG. 3. This allows the hair to be furtherseparated in a cascaded fashion, such that the dye can be more evenlyapplied to the hair. Also, it has been found that different height rowsof bristles best comb and separate different textures of hair, such thatdye can be evenly applied.

[0055] Cover 32 may further include a plurality of fine, denselypositioned bristles 66 positioned at the adjacent end of cap 34 to allowaccurate placement of dye, e.g., when dyeing sideburns. Cover 32 can befabricated from a variety of materials. Preferably, cover 32 isinjection molded from a flexible material such as a thermoplastic rubber(e.g., Santoprene® brand rubber marketed by Advanced Elastomer Systems,L. P.) with bristles 29 and 31 being integrally formed thereon. Therubber has a preferable hardness in the range of about 55-75 Shore Aunits, and most preferably in the range of about 60-65 Shore A units.The rubber has a preferable ultimate tensile strength in the range ofabout 400-500 psi, and most preferably in the range of about 460-480psi. This allows cover 32 to be sufficiently durable to have an extendedlife span under rigorous use, yet be elastomeric such that the flexibleportion 70 can be formed therein and bristles 29 and 31 do not scratchthe user's scalp. Also, it is preferable that the rubber be chemicallyresistant to the liquid dye such that no significant deteriorationresults with extended use and the dye will not significantly stain cover32 during normal use resulting in an aesthetically displeasingapplicator 10.

[0056] The operation of applicator 10 will now be described. Theoperator fills the fluid container 22 with liquid dye and positions thecontainer 22 within air container 12. The fluid manifold 24 is screwedonto the open end 18 of container 12 and the cover 32 is slid over themanifold and secured thereto by cap 34. Now, the operator gentlysqueezes air container 12 such that compressed air collapses fluidcontainer 22 to force the dye through orifices 44, annular chamber 43,apertures 56, and into dye presentation grooves 68. The operator combsthe hair with bristles 29 and 31 to uniformly and controllably apply thedye from the grooves 68 to the hair. The staggered bristles 29 and 31uniformly present the hair to the grooves 68 such that the dye is evenlyapplied thereon. The operator repeatedly squeezes air container 12 asneeded to refill grooves 68. In a preferred method, the operator isdyeing his or her own hair. However, the operator can use the applicator10 to dye another person's hair as well.

[0057]FIGS. 9-11 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a hair dyeapplicator 90 in accordance with the present invention wherein likereference numbers refer to the same or similar elements. As particularlyillustrated in FIG. 9, the applicator 90 includes an air container orenclosure 80 that houses collapsible fluid container 22. As before,fluid manifold 24 is connected to the open end of the air container 80and brush cover 32 is removably positioned on the outside surface of thefluid manifold. In this embodiment, brush cover 32 is removably attachedto fluid manifold 24 by interlocking an annular ridge 88 with a lip ofthe fluid manifold. In this manner, the brush cover 32 can be positionedon and removed from fluid manifold 24 quickly for cleaning, storing,etc. It is readily understood that other joining mechanisms todetachably secure brush cover 32 to fluid manifold 24 can be used inaccordance with the present invention. Brush cover 32 includes teeth orbristles 74 extending therefrom, which may be curved as shown, i.e.,relative to a longitudinal axis of the brush cover. This ergonomicdesign of the applicator 90 has been found to be exceptionallyconvenient to use during the dyeing process. Dye presentation grooves 68in this embodiment are curved as shown.

[0058] Also illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 is a pump mechanism forcontrollably compressing collapsible fluid container 22. Morespecifically, a resilient bellows 76 is provided in communication withan aperture 82 in container 80 to force air into the air container 80 tocompress collapsible fluid container 22. As before, compression of fluidcontainer 22 forces the dye over the first lip 40, through annularchannel 43 and apertures 56 and thus to the hair to be dyed. Bellows 76includes an orifice 84 that is blocked/open when the operatorcompresses/releases the bellows. Thus, when the operator compressesbellows 76, the air within the bellows is forced inside container 80.When bellows 76 is released, ambient air passes through orifice 84 andrefills the bellows as the bellows resiliently returns to its originalposition.

[0059] In operation, the operator may need to compress bellows 76multiple times during the dyeing process such that the dye iscontrollably supplied to the dye presentation grooves 68 in brush cover32. Bellows 76 can be integrally molded to a jacket 78 which surroundsthe outside surface of the container 80. Bellows 76 and jacket 78 can beformed from a variety of materials, but it is preferable that the jacket78 have a rubbery grip such that the applicator 90 will not easily slipout of the operator's hand and the bellows 76 resiliently responds toits original position after deformation. Thus, bellows 76 and jacket 78are formed from a thermoplastic rubber such as sold under trade nameSantoprene®, preferably having a hardness in the range of about 30-45,and most preferably in the range of about 35-40Shore A units.

[0060] The operation of applicator 90 will now be described. Theoperator fills the fluid container 22 with liquid dye and positions thecontainer 22 within air container 12. At this point, jacket 78 isalready positioned on the outside of air container 12 with bellows 76communicating with fluid container 22 via aperture 82. The fluidmanifold 24 is screwed onto the open end 18 of container 12 and cover 32is slid over the manifold until ridge 88 removably attaches onto the lipof the manifold. Now, the operator compresses the bellows 76 whileblocking orifice 84 to force the air within bellows into air container12 to compress the fluid container 22. This forces the dye throughorifices 44, annular chamber 43, apertures 56, and into dye presentationgrooves 68. The operator combs the hair with bristles 74 to uniformlyand controllably apply the dye from the grooves 68 to the air. Theoperator releases and compresses the bellows 76, as described above, torefill grooves 68 as needed. Applicator 90 can also be positioned in anyorientation during the dyeing process due to this valving system.

[0061]FIGS. 12-14 illustrate another preferred embodiment of anergonomic applicator 92 employing bellows 76 to pump the liquid dye fromthe fluid container 22 to the operator's hair. Dye presentation grooves68 are curved as shown similar to applicator 90. Brush cover 32 includesthree rows of bristles 65 extending therefrom used by the operator tocomb the hair during the dyeing process. FIGS. 15-20 illustrate outershapes of the hair dye applicator 92 of FIGS. 12-15 taken from lines15-15 through 20-20, respectively, of FIG. 12.

[0062]FIG. 21 illustrates another preferred embodiment of an ergonomicapplicator 94 wherein the brush cover 32 includes a plurality of ports81 in fluid communication with the liquid dye during the dyeing process.Ports 81 are spaced apart and are not joined by dye presentation grooves68 as described above. This facilitates the dye being placed in lines or“streaks,” as referred to in the art, as the hair is brushed throughbristles 29 and 31. More specifically, the dye in ports 81 contacts theportion of hair combed by bristles 29 and 31 adjacent the portsresulting in the streaking effect.

[0063]FIGS. 22-25 illustrate another preferred embodiment of anergonomic applicator 96 employing bellows 76 to pump the liquid dye fromthe fluid container 22 to the operator's hair. In this embodiment,jacket 78 includes an opening 98 to allow the operator to visuallydetermine the amount of liquid dye in the fluid container 22. Brushcover 32, having bristles 100 extending therefrom, is wider at the topas particularly illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23.

[0064]FIGS. 26-28 illustrate yet another preferred embodiment of anapplicator 102 in accordance with the present invention. In thisembodiment, the air container is surrounded by a rigid jacket 106 toprevent the air container from being compressed. Accordingly, jacket 106can be formed from a variety of materials and preferably it is formedfrom a stiff ABS thermoplastic.

[0065] Jacket 106 includes an opening in which resilient bellows 108 ispositioned. Another opening or aperture is provided in the air containersuch that bellows 108 communicates with the fluid container therein. Anorifice can be provided in bellows 108, similar to orifice 84 describedabove, to replenish the air in bellows 108 after compression by theoperator. Alternatively, a one-way valve can be provided in aircontainer 12 for allowing air into the container 12 as the bellows 108returns to its original position.

[0066]FIGS. 29-44 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a hair dyeapplicator 110 in accordance with the present invention. In thisembodiment, an optional jacket 112 encases at least a portion of thecompressible air container 114. The collapsible fluid container 116,which contains a liquid dye, is removably positioned within the aircontainer 114 and includes an open end 118 for allowing egress of theliquid dye. In this embodiment, a one-way valve 120, such as aduckbill-type valve, is disposed at the open end 118 of the fluidcontainer 116 for allowing one-way egress of the liquid dye from thefluid container.

[0067] Preferably, the valve 120 mates within an internal conduit 122 ofthe manifold 124, as seen in FIG. 29. The internal conduit 122communicates with orifices 126 of the manifold 124. The orifices 126allow the liquid dye to flow to an outside surface 128 of the manifold124. A brush cover 130 is removably positioned over the manifold 124 anincludes apertures 132, such as seen in FIG. 30, there through forallowing the liquid dye to pass from the outside surface 128 of themanifold 124 to the hair to be dyed.

[0068] In this embodiment, air container 114 includes an aperture 115there through which is covered by the user's finger as the air containeris compressed. This serves to compress the collapsible fluid container116 with the air in the air container 114 to force the liquid dyethrough the valve 120. As the user releases compressive force on the aircontainer 114 with the finger not covering the aperture 115, the aircontainer returns to its original configuration and fills with air.Preferably, the air container 114 is formed from a resilient materialfor returning to its original configuration. Simultaneously, the valve120 substantially prevents the liquid dye or air from reentering thefluid container 116, therein the fluid container 116 reduces in volume.The user then squeezes the air container 114 again with a finger coveraperture 115 to further collapse the fluid container 116. The aperture115 acts as a valving system to add air in the space between thecollapsible fluid container 116 and the air container 114. This processis repeated during the dyeing process.

[0069]FIG. 31 illustrates the jacket 112 which includes an aperture 133that communicates with the aperture 115 of the air container 114. Thejacket 112 is formed from a flexible material so as to be easilycompressible. The aperture 133 is preferably formed in a bellows 134integrally formed in the side of the jacket 112. Beneficially, thisallows communications between apertures 133 and 115, even when thejacket 112 is not optimally aligned on the air container 114.

[0070]FIGS. 32-34 illustrate the air container 114 which includesexternal threads 136 which threadedly engage internal threads 127 of themanifold 124, as seen in FIG. 29, to removably secure the manifold onthe air container. The hair dye applicator of the present invention canalso include an alignment mechanism to align the manifold 124 onto theair container 114 in a predetermined orientation. The alignmentmechanism can also prevent over-tightening of the manifold 114 onto theair container 114. In one embodiment, a protruding member 137 extendsfrom the air container 114, as specifically seen in FIG. 34. Member 137contacts a protruding member 125 of the manifold 124 (see FIGS. 38-40)when the manifold is oriented in the predetermined orientation.

[0071]FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of the fluid container 116. In oneembodiment, the fluid container 116 includes a lip 138 at the open end118 which forms a seal with the bottom 140 of the valve 120 whenassembled. Preferably, the air container 114 and the fluid container 116are transparent to allow the user to visually inspect the amount ofliquid dye remaining in the fluid container. The fluid container 116 cancontain marks 117 or other indicia which indicate the amount of liquiddye therein when initially filling. In one embodiment, the fluidcontainer 116 includes a V-shaped end 119 which facilitates the collapseof the fluid container.

[0072]FIGS. 36 and 37 further illustrate the one-way valve 120 inaccordance with the present invention. The valve 120 includes a raisedportion 142 which supports the cone-shaped duckbill 144. The raisedportion 142 preferably conforms to the shape of the conduit 122 of themanifold 124 to align the valve 120 thereto. The duckbill 144, in oneembodiment, includes two slits 146 which allow the liquid dye to passthere through upon compression of the air container 114. The duckbill144 is preferably formed from a flexible, resilient material such thatthe slits 146 will substantially close to prevent the liquid dye fromreentering the fluid container 114 when the user stops compressing theair container 114.

[0073]FIGS. 38-40 further illustrate the manifold 124 which includes aplurality of orifices 126 communicating the conduit 122 with an outsidesurface 148 of the manifold. The conduit 122, which includes an inlet ata first end 129, runs substantially the length of the manifold 124 alongthe longitudinal axis. The conduit 122 and the internal threads 127 ofthe manifold 124 are shown in hidden line in FIGS. 38 and 40. In oneembodiment, the orifices 126 increase in diameter as a function of thedistance from the first end 129. That is, the orifice(s) furthest fromthe first end 129 is the largest while the orifice(s) closest to thefirst end is the smallest for uniformly distributing the liquid dyealong the outer surface 148 of the manifold 124.

[0074] A raised lip 150 snugly fits, upon assembly, to the insidesurface 58 of the brush cover 130 to contain the liquid dye with thelip. In one embodiment, the manifold 124 can include a relatively largeorifice 152 for allowing substantial amounts of liquid dye therethrough. A second raised lip 151 can surround orifice 152. An alignmentmechanism is further provided to align the brush cover on the manifold124. In one embodiment, the alignment mechanism includes extendingmembers 154 of the manifold 124 which insert into pockets 156 of thebrush cover 130 to align the brush cover thereon. In a preferredembodiment, the manifold 124 includes a projection 131 to support the“tip” of the brush cover 132.

[0075]FIGS. 41-44 illustrate the brush cover 132 which includes bristlesor teeth 29, 31. As in other embodiments, apertures 56 pass through thecover 132 to an inside surface 58 and allow the liquid dye to pass tothe outside surface 60 of the cover during the dyeing process. Dyepresentation grooves 68 communicate with apertures 56 and are preferablypositioned along a longitudinal axis of the cover 130 to allow the dyeexiting apertures 56 to flow along the grooves to uniformly present thedye to the hair. In this embodiment, the cover 130 removably slides overthe manifold 124 and is held thereon by a friction fit.

[0076] In an alternative embodiment, the manifold and the brush covercan be combined together to form a one-part unit, such as shown in FIG.47. The combined unit functions similar to the two-part constructionwhile being more economical to manufacture.

[0077] In operation of this embodiment, the user inserts the fluidcontainer 116 into the air container 114. The desired amount of liquiddye is placed into the open end 118 of fluid container 116. The one-wayvalve 120 is seated onto the manifold 124 and the manifold is screwedonto the air container 114 until respective protruding members 125, 137contact to align the manifold on the air container. The brush cover 130is positioned over the manifold 124. Optional jacket 112 can bepositioned over the air container 114.

[0078] The user compresses the air container 114 with a finger coveringthe apertures 115, 132 to collapse the fluid container 116 to force theliquid dye through one-way valve 120. The liquid dye passes through theorifices 126 of the manifold 124 and through apertures 56 to dyepresentation grooves 68. As the user releases compressive force on theair container 114 with the finger not covering apertures 115, 132, theair container returns to its original configuration and refills with airthrough the apertures. Simultaneously, the one-way valve 120substantially prevents the liquid dye from reentering the fluidcontainer 116. This process is repeated to controllably present liquiddye to the hair being treated.

[0079] It is understood that applicators of any of the embodimentsdescribed above, such as applicator 96 of FIGS. 26-28, can also be usedfor other hair treatment or care purposes, such as the controlleddispensing of conditioner and shampoo.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 45, an alternative embodiment of a hair dyeapplicator 210, similar to the hair dye applicator 110 of FIGS. 29-44,is shown with an optional jacket 112 encasing at least a portion of thecompressible air container 114. The collapsible fluid container 116,which contains a liquid dye, is removably positioned within the aircontainer 114 and includes an open end 118 for allowing egress of theliquid dye. A one-way valve 120, such as a duckbill-type valve, isdisposed at the open end 118 of the fluid container 116 for allowingone-way egress of the liquid dye from the fluid container.

[0081] Preferably, the valve 120 mates within an internal conduit 122 ofa manifold 214, as seen in FIG. 45. The internal conduit 122communicates with a plurality of orifices 126 of the manifold 214. Theorifices 126 allow the liquid dye to flow to an outside surface 128 ofthe manifold 214. A brush cover 216 is removably positioned over themanifold 214 and includes apertures 132, such as in previousembodiments, there through for allowing the liquid dye to pass from theoutside surface 128 of the manifold 214 to the hair to be dyed.

[0082] The brush cover 216 has a ridge or lip 218 to create a frictionfit to assist in retaining the manifold 214 in the brush cover 216.

[0083] It is recognized that other ridges or lips can be added to thehair dye applicator 210. For example, referring to FIG. 46, the manifold214 has ridges 222 on the extending members 224. The optional jacket 112and the compressible air container 114 can have ridges or lips to assistthe friction fit.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 47, an alternative embodiment of a hair dyeapplicator 260 similar to the hair dye applicator 110 of FIGS. 29-44 isshown. The hair dye applicator 260 has an optional jacket 112 whichencases at least a portion of the compressible air container 114. Thecollapsible fluid container 116, which contains a liquid dye, isremovably positioned within the air container 114 and includes an openend 118 for allowing egress of the liquid dye. In this embodiment, aone-way valve 120, such as a duckbill-type valve, is disposed at theopen end 118 of the fluid container 116 for allowing one-way egress ofthe liquid dye from the fluid container.

[0085] Preferably, the valve 120 mates within an internal conduit 262 ofa brush/manifold unit 264. The internal conduit 262 communicates withapertures 264 which extend to the outside of the brush/manifold unit 264and allow the liquid dye to flow to an outside surface 268.

[0086] In contrast to the previous embodiments, the manifold and brushare formed as one unit, the brush/manifold unit 264. The apertures 264extend directly from the internal conduit 262 to the outside surface ofthe brush/manifold unit 264. In one embodiment, there are twelve (12) ormore apertures and the apertures have a smaller diameter or size than inthe previous embodiments.

[0087] The brush/manifold unit 264 can have a coating on the entireouter surface or teeth region, such as flexible material such as athermoplastic rubber (e.g., Santoprene® brand rubber marketed byAdvanced Elastomer Systems, L. P.), to provide a comfortable feel to theuser. In one embodiment, the brush/manifold unit 264 is formed ofpolypropylene with the coating of Santoprene® applied to thebrush/manifold unit 264 in an over-molding or insert molding process.

[0088] While this invention has been particularly shown and describedwith references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details maybe made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair dye applicator device, comprising: acollapsible fluid container for containing a liquid dye, the fluidcontainer including an open end for allowing egress of the liquid dye; aone-way valve in communication with the open end of the fluid containerfor allowing egress of the liquid dye; and a compressible air containerencasing the fluid container, the air container including an open endfor receiving the fluid container, the air container also including aone-way valve for allowing air into the air container; wherein as theair container is compressed by a user, the fluid container collapses toforce the liquid dye out of the fluid container.